Line hanger

ABSTRACT

A line hanger for securing lines, such as transmission, pneumatic, hydraulic, electrical and other types of lines, to a support structure and a method of mounting and supporting one or more lines from a support structure. The line hanger includes an attachment support provision configured for mounting to the support structure and a pair of spaced-apart clamping arms depending outwardly from the attachment provision. The clamping arms are configured to resiliently separate for slidingly receiving an line and to resiliently relax for applying a clamping force to secure the line. Multiple line hangers may be interlinked or stacked relative to the support structure for support multiple lines.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] This invention relates generally to devices for hanging linesand, in particular, to hangers for securing transmission, pneumatic,hydraulic, electrical, and other lines to support structures.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Line hangers are commonly used to secure lines, such as cablesand transmission lines, to the framework of support structures, such asantenna towers. Lines are routed upward from the base of the antennatower to communicate with telecommunications devices positioned abovethe base either at the tower apex or at an intermediate location.Generally, each line is attached to the antenna tower by a large numberof line hangers mounted at periodically-spaced locations along itsheight. Antenna towers may reach several hundred feet in height withline hangers mounted at about three feet intervals. After the linehangers have been installed, the line is strung and engaged with theline hangers. Certain line hangers are constructed to be stackable suchthat multiple line hangers can be interlocked to extend outwardly fromthe antenna tower. Stacked line hangers significantly increase thenumber of lines that can be routed up the antenna tower by makingefficient use of the available attachment points.

[0003] Conventional line hangers suffer from significant deficienciesand shortcomings. In particular, most line hangers are complexstructures that are costly to manufacture due to the costs of rawmaterials, manufacturing equipment and labor. In addition, conventionalline hangers require a large amount of auxiliary hardware, such asscrews, bolts, nuts and washers. Stacked line hangers may require atleast partial disassembly of existing line hangers to add another line.As a result, running lines along the height of antenna towers istime-consuming, labor-intensive and expensive.

[0004] Therefore, it would be desirable to have a line hangercharacterized by a simple, inexpensive construction.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0005]FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a line hanger in accordance withthe principles of the invention;

[0006]FIG. 2 is a front perspective view of a pair of line hangers ofFIG. 1 stacked according to the principles of the invention;

[0007]FIG. 3 is a rear perspective view similar to FIG. 2;

[0008]FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the line hanger of FIG. 1 mountedto an exemplary anchor rail using an adapter;

[0009]FIG. 5 is a side view of a stacked plurality of the line hangersof FIG. 1 suspended from a ceiling;

[0010]FIG. 6 is a side view similar to FIG. 5 in which a differentceiling mount is illustrated;

[0011]FIG. 7 is a side view of a stacked plurality of line hangers ofFIG. 1 suspended from a mount supported by an overhead conduit;

[0012]FIG. 8 is a side view of a stacked plurality of line hangers ofFIG. 1 in which the first line hanger in the stack is directly mountedto a support surface; and

[0013]FIG. 9 is a side view similar to FIG. 8 in which the first linehanger is mounted to a conduit fastened to the support surface;

[0014]FIG. 10 is a perspective view of line hangers according to FIG. 1attached to an anchor rail used as a trapeze support and showing stillanother configuration in which an adapter is present;

[0015]FIG. 11 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of aline hanger in accordance with the principles of the invention;

[0016]FIG. 12 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of aline hanger in accordance with the principles of the invention;

[0017]FIG. 13 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of aline hanger in accordance with the principles of the invention; and

[0018]FIG. 14 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of aline hanger in accordance with the principles of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0019] Although the invention will be described in connection withcertain embodiments, it will be understood that the invention is notlimited to those embodiments. On the contrary, the description of theinvention is intended to cover all alternatives, modifications, andequivalent arrangements as may be included within the spirit and scopeof the invention as defined by the appended claims.

[0020] With reference to FIG. 1, a mounting device or line hanger 10according to the principles of the invention is a multi-bend,three-dimensional structure formed from a continuous length of wire orrod. The rod has a diameter suitable for providing adequate rigidity tofunction as a load-bearing structure as well as sufficient resiliency.The rod forming the line hanger 10 is generally circular in radialcross-section. Line hanger 10 may be formed from any suitable materialincluding, but not limited to, metals such as stainless steels andgalvanized steels. For light duty applications, the line hanger 10 maybe molded from a polymer resin. The line hanger 10 may be a one-piecemonolithic structure that is unitary or may be formed from multiplecomponents joined together by, for example, welded or fused junctions.

[0021] With reference to FIG. 1, the line hanger 10 includes a supportattachment provision or section, generally indicated by referencenumeral 14 and a pair of clamping arms 16, 18 of comparable length thatdefine an area or space 19 for receiving and securing a line 20,typically cylindrical, selected from among various different types, suchas a transmission line, a pipe, a conduit or the like. The attachmentsection 14 of the line hanger 10 is configured to be attached with aconventional fastener 22 to a support structure 21, such as a portion ofan antenna tower. Alternatively, the clamping arms 16, 18 of one linehanger 10 may be coupled with the attachment section 14 of another linehanger 10 for stacking multiple cable hangers 10. The line hanger 10 maybe attached to support structure 21 vertically, horizontally or at angleto an axis of the support structure 21 using any conventional bracket23.

[0022] Multiple line hangers 10, each identical to line hanger 10, areattached to the support structure 21 with a spacing between adjacentline hangers 10 adequate to resist forces due to wind and weather. Then,the line 20 is strung up the support structure 21 and a length of theline 20 is secured to each of the multiple line hangers 10. The rigidityof each individual line hanger 10 must be adequate to support itsdistributed portion of the total load from the attached line 20including external forces, such as wind, acting on the line 20 and anyadditional load from stacked line hangers 10 and their respective lines20, as will be described below. The resiliency of the line hanger 10must be sufficient to allow the line hanger 10 to be coupled with theline 20, as described below.

[0023] The attachment section 14 of line hanger 10 defines a closed endthat includes a round or circular loop 24 having a central passage 26with a diameter greater than or equal to a diameter of a threaded shankof the fastener 22 and less than an outer diameter of a head of thefastener 22. The loop 24 extends over an arc length of less than 360°terminated by a transversely-spaced pair of oppositely-directed angledbends 28, 30 that define a gap in loop 24 dimensioned to preventvertical passage of the threaded shank of the fastener 22. It iscontemplated by the invention that the loop 24 may possess any arcuateor polygonal shape suitable to cooperate with the fastener 22 forsecuring the line hanger 10 with the support structure 21. Extendingoutwardly from each of the angled bends 28, 30 is a corresponding one ofa pair of substantially-linear widening legs or segments 32, 34 ofcomparable length. Widening segment 32 extends outwardly from loop 24 inan opposite direction from widening segment 34. The loop 24 andextension segments 32, 34 lie substantially in a common vertical plane,the angled bends 28, 30 are obtuse angles, and the extension segments32, 34 are substantially collinear.

[0024] With continued reference to FIG. 1, each of the extensionsegments 32, 34 is coupled by a respective one of shoulders or angledbends 36, 38 with a corresponding one of a pair of short bridging legsor segments 40, 42 of comparable length. The bridging segments 40, 42depend away from the extension segments 32, 34 in a horizontal planegenerally orthogonal to the vertical plane containing the loop 24 andthe extension segments 32, 34. The bridging segments 40, 42 operate toseparate the loop 24 horizontally from the clamping arms 16, 18 toprovide an empty space for receiving the head of the fastener 22. As aresult, the head of the fastener 22 does not interfere with thesecurement of the line 20 with the line hanger 10. The separation alsofacilitates stacking of multiple line hangers 10, as described below.

[0025] Generally, the clamping arms 16, 18 depend outwardly from theattachment section 14 with a transverse relationship to the attachmentsection 14. Each of the clamping arms 16, 18 has a respective arcuateleg or segment 44, 46 joined by a corresponding one of a pair of angledbends 48, 50 with a respective one of the bridging segments 40, 42. Thearcuate segments 44, 46 and the bridging segments 40, 42 generally liein a common horizontal plane. The arcuate segments 44, 46 are curvedinto a concave-convex shape with inwardly confronting sides beingconcave so as to share a common radius of curvature relative to thecenter of the space 19 between the clamping arms 16, 18. The radius ofcurvature corresponds generally to the radius of the line 20. Each ofthe arcuate segments 44, 46 is joined by a respective one of the pair ofangled bends 52, 54 with a corresponding one of a pair of hooks orupright members 56, 58 that depend upwardly from the horizontal planecontaining the arcuate segments 44, 46.

[0026] Each of the upright members 56, 58 includes a respective one of apair of relatively short legs or segments 60, 62 of comparable lengththat depend inwardly toward the loop 24 joined by a respective one of apair of angled bends 64, 66 with a corresponding one of a pair ofrelatively long legs or segments 68, 70. Segments 68, 70 are eachinclined outwardly and away from the corresponding one of arcuatesegments 44, 46. The spacing between the upright members 56, 58 and thespacing between the angled bends 52, 54 is similar to the spacingbetween the confronting concave sides of angled bends 36, 38 of theattachment section 14. As a result, the attachment section 14effectively operates as a terminating element for interconnecting theclamping arms 16, 18 to prevent relative separation when line 20 issecured therebetween.

[0027] The clamping arms 16, 18 are resiliently separable or spreadablebetween a relaxed condition in which no line 20 is present, a spreadcondition that permits insertion of the line 20 into the widened throator gap between upright members 56, 58, and a clamping conditionintermediate between the relaxed and spread conditions in which theclamping arms 16, 18 collectively apply an inwardly-directed clampingforce for securing line 20 with the line hanger 10. To couple the line20 with the line hanger 10, the line 20 is positioned proximate the gapbetween the upright members 56, 58 and moved inwardly in a directiongenerally toward the loop 24. Sliding contact between the exterior ofthe line 20 and the upright members 56, 58 causes the clamping arms 16,18 to resiliently deflect outwardly or separate from the relaxedcondition to the spread condition so that the line 20 can pass betweenthe upright members 56, 58. As the line 20 is moved into the space 19,the clamping arms 16, 18 relax inwardly to the clamping condition inwhich the clamping arms 16, 18 apply an inward clamping force to theline 20. The clamping force applied by the clamping arms 16, 18 gripsline 20 with a clamping force sufficient to prevent significant axialmovement of the line 20 relative to line hanger 10.

[0028] With continued reference to FIG. 1, a terminating link or element72, formed from a trapezoidal loop of wire or rod, is provided that iscapable of being removably coupled with the line hanger 10. To that end,the inner periphery of the terminating element 72 is dimensioned to fitover the upright members 56, 58 so that the terminating element 72 canbe installed on the clamping arms 16, 18 after a line 20 is positionedin space 19. The terminating element 72 includes a long segment 74joined at opposite ends by one of a pair of angled bends 76, 78 (FIG. 3)with a corresponding one of two relatively short segments 80, 82. Arespective one of two angled bends 84, 86 joins a respective one of theshort segments 80, 82 with another relatively long segment 88 that isaligned generally parallel with long segment 74. When the terminatingelement 72 is engaged with the line hanger 10, the angled bends 76, 78engage the angled bends 52, 54 of the line hanger 10. The terminatingelement 72 constrains the clamping arms 16, 18 against relativedeflection so that the line 20 cannot be disengaged from the line hanger10 by movement outwardly through the gap between the upright members 56,58 and also operates to maintain the clamping force of the clamping arms16, 18 securing the line 20 against significant axial movement relativeto line hanger 10.

[0029] The line hanger 10 of the invention may be readily scaled toaccept and secure lines 20 of differing sizes. In particular, thedimensions of the line hanger 10 of the invention may be scaled toaccept lines 20 of various different diameters or to accept lines 20having a range of diameters. In addition, the clamping arms 16, 18 canaccept lines 20 within a range of dimensions. Generally, the separationof the clamping arms 16, 18 in the relaxed condition determines theminimum diameter of line 20 that may be secured in the clampingposition. The clamping arms 16, 18 are spreadable to supporting lines 20up to a maximum dimension determined by the resiliency and ability toseparate the clamping arms 16, 18. In addition, the diameter of the wireor rod forming line hanger 10 is selected and the dimensions areadjusted such that transitions among the relaxed, spread and clampingconditions does not result in significant permanent deformation of thematerial forming the clamping arms 16, 18.

[0030] With reference to FIGS. 2 and 3, the line hanger 10 of theinvention is stackable in that a second line hanger 10 b can be mountedto a first line hanger 10 a, which is itself attached to the supportstructure 21. Each of the line hangers 10 a and 10 b are identical linehanger 10. In the following description, reference numerals representingfeatures of the second line hanger 10 b will be distinguished by primenotation from reference numerals representing identical features of thefirst line hanger 10 a. The distance between the confronting concaveportion of angled bends 36′, 38′ of the second line hanger 10 b in theclamping condition is greater than the distance separating the uprightmembers 56, 58 of the first line hanger 10 a. The extension segments32′, 34′ of the second line hanger 10 b contact and are supported by acorresponding one of clamping arms 16, 18 adjacent to the respective oneof angled bends 52, 54. The second line hanger 10 b is secured againstcantilevering by the contact between loop 24 and the line 20 held by thefirst line hanger 10 a. The interconnection between the angled bends36′, 38′ of line hanger 10 b and the angled bends 52, 54 of the uprightmembers 56, 58 of line hanger 10 a prevents inadvertent spreading of theclamping arms 16, 18.

[0031] In use, a set of line hangers 10 a are fastened with fasteners 22to the support structure 21 at successive spaced attachment pointsbetween the base of the support structure 21 and the destination of theline 20. The line 20 is strung upwardly proximate to the line hangers 10a and the line 20 is pressed inwardly between the upright members 56, 58of each line hanger 10 a which provides a temporary spreading force thatseparates the respective clamping arms 16, 18 from their initial relaxedcondition to the spread condition. As the line 20 moves into the space19 between the respective clamping arms 16, 18, the clamping arms 16, 18relax inwardly to create the clamping condition for securing the line 20against movement. The clamping arms 16, 18 of each line hanger 10 a aresafeguarded against spreading by the placement of a correspondingterminating element 72. Alternatively, one or more additional sets ofline hangers 10 b may be stacked to the first set of line hangers 10 afor directing one or more additional lines 20 along the supportstructure 21 and the mounting sequence is repeated for each additionalline 20. The last stacked set of line hangers 10 b is terminated, afterthe corresponding line 20 is inserted, with a corresponding plurality ofterminating elements 72.

[0032] With reference to FIG. 4 in which like reference numerals referto like features in FIGS. 1-3, an adapter 100 may be utilized forsecuring the line hanger 10 of the invention with an anchor rail 102 orother anchor accessory, such as UNISTRUT® brand framing members, bracketand fittings. The anchor rail 102 is formed as a U-shaped channel havinga pair of upstanding, opposing legs 104 a, 104 b in which each of thelegs 104 a, 104 b terminates in a respective downwardly-oriented lip 106a, 106 b. The adapter 100 includes a pair of flexible mounting legs 108,110 each configured for engaging a corresponding one of lips 106 a, 106b. Adapters 100 suitable for use in the invention are disclosed inInternational Application Number PCT/US02/23781, which is herebyincorporated by reference herein in its entirety. The attachment section14 of line hanger 10 is secured with a suitable fastener 112 to athreaded opening 114 in the adapter 100. Additional line hangers (notshown) may be coupled with line hanger 10, as illustrated in FIG. 2, tocreate a stacked or chained arrangement.

[0033] With reference to FIG. 5 in which like reference numerals referto like features in FIGS. 1-3, a plurality of, for example, three linehangers 10 a, 10 b, 10 c, each identical to line hanger 10, may besupported or hung vertically from a ceiling or other support surface 116by, for example, a rod 118 in a stacked or chained arrangement. In sucha stacked or chained arrangement, a coupling element 120 may be used tocouple a first line hanger 10 a to rod 118 using a fastener 122. Linehanger 10 b is stacked or hung from the first line hanger 10 a and linehanger 10 c is stacked or hung from line hanger 10 b to form the stackedarrangement. Terminating element 72 is used to terminate the last linehanger 10 c in the stack. Each of the line hangers 10 a, 10 b, 10 csupports and secures a corresponding one of multiple lines 20. Theinvention contemplates that the first line hanger 10 a may be hungdirectly from the rod 118 without the intervening coupling element 120.To that end, the attachment section 14 of the first line hanger 10 a mayreceive a threaded end of rod 118, with a mating element (not shown)provided to secured the first line hanger 10 a with the rod 118. It iscontemplated by the invention that two or more line hangers 10 may formthe stacked arrangement.

[0034] With reference to FIG. 6 in which like reference numerals referto like features in FIG. 5, the plurality of line hangers 10 a, 10 b, 10c may be suspended in a stacked arrangement from the support surface 116with the cooperation of an intervening coupling element 126. A firstline hanger 10 a is secured with, for example, a fastener 128 to thecoupling element 126, which is itself secured in a conventional mannerto the support surface 116. Additional hangers 10 b and 10 c are stackedfrom the first line hanger 10 a to provide the stacked arrangement.Terminating element 72 is used to terminate the last line hanger 10 c inthe stack. Each of the line hangers 10 a, 10 b, 10 c supports andsecures a corresponding one of multiple lines 20.

[0035] With reference to FIG. 7 in which like reference numerals referto like features in FIGS. 5 and 6, the plurality of line hangers 10 a,10 b, 10 c may be supported or hung vertically from the support surface116 by direct attachment in a stacked arrangement. In this stackedarrangement, a fastener 130 is used to directly couple the attachmentsection 14 of a first line hanger 10 a to the support surface 116. Linehanger 10 b is stacked or hung from the first line hanger 10 a and linehanger 10 c is stacked from line hanger 10 b, as appropriate, to formthe stacked arrangement. Terminating element 72 is used to terminate thelast line hanger 10 c in the stack. Each of the line hangers 10 a, 10 b,10 c supports and secures a corresponding one of multiple lines 20.

[0036] With reference to FIG. 8 in which like reference numerals referto like features in FIGS. 5-7, the plurality of line hangers 10 a, 10 b,10 c may be suspended from a cylindrical overhead conduit 132, such as apipe or a line, using a coupling element 134 configured to engage theconduit 132. A first line hanger 10 a is secured with, for example, afastener 136 to the coupling element 134. The coupling element 134 isitself secured in a conventional manner to the overhead conduit 132.Additional hangers 10 b and 10 c are stacked from the first line hanger10 a to create a stacked arrangement. Terminating element 72 is used toterminate the last line hanger 10 c in the stack. Each of the linehangers 10 a, 10 b, 10 c supports and secures a corresponding one ofmultiple lines 20.

[0037] With regard to FIG. 9 in which like reference numerals refer tolike features in FIGS. 5-8, a first line hanger 10 a may be suspendedfrom an overhead conduit 138, such as a pipe or a line. The first linehanger 10 a is secured by its clamping arms 16, 18 about the cylindricalouter surface of the overhead conduit 138, which is itself secured in aconventional manner, such as the illustrated fastener 140, to thesupport surface 116. An attachment section 14 b of the second linehanger 10 b is secured with an attachment section 14 a of the first linehanger 10 a using a fastener 142 to provide an initial stacked pair.Additional line hangers (not shown) may be stacked from the second linehanger 10 b as described herein. Terminating element 72 is used toterminate the last line hanger 10 b in the stack. Each of the linehangers 10 a, 10 b, 10 c supports and secures a corresponding one ofmultiple lines 20.

[0038] With regard to FIG. 10 in which like reference numerals refer tolike features in FIGS. 5-9, line hanger 10 may be coupled with a trapezesupport, such as formed by anchor rail 102 supported at opposite endsby, for example, a pair of threaded rods 144, 146 secured to andsuspended from a support surface 116 (FIG. 9). This type of trapezesupport is commonly used for supporting lines 20, such as conduit,piping and the like. It is apparent, as described herein, that the linehanger 10 may be used in conjunction with anchor rail 102 for supportingmultiple lines 20 either singularly or in stacked arrangements, or usingsuitable adapters, such as adapter 100 described herein.

[0039] With reference to FIG. 11 in which like reference numerals referto like features in FIGS. 1-3, a line hanger 150 is provided that issubstantially identical to line hanger 10 other than modifications madeto attachment section 14. Specifically, line hanger 150 is provided withan attachment section 152 in which angled bends 36, 38 are connected bya linear segment 154. Line hanger 150 may be stacked, as describedabove, with other line hangers 10 by engaging the angled bends 36, 38 ofline hanger 150 and the angled bends 52, 54 of the upright members 56,58 of another line hanger (not shown but identical to line hanger 10) sothat linear segment 154 extends between the upright members 56, 58.

[0040] With reference to FIG. 12 in which like reference numerals referto like features in FIGS. 1-3, a line hanger 160 is substantiallyidentical to line hanger 10 other than modifications made to attachmentsection 14. Specifically, line hanger 160 is provided with an attachmentsection 162 including a round or circular loop 164 which is substitutedfor the loop 24 of line hanger 10. Angled bends 166, 168 are bent suchthat the loop 164 is substantially coplanar with clamping arms 16, 18.The loop 164 receives a fastener (not shown) for securing the linehanger 160 to a support structure (not shown).

[0041] With reference to FIG. 13 in which like reference numerals referto like features in FIGS. 1-3, a line hanger 170 is substantiallyidentical to line hanger 10 other than modifications made to attachmentsection 14. Specifically, line hanger 170 is provided with an attachmentsection 172 including a round or circular loop 174 substituted for theloop 24 of line hanger 10. Angled bends 176, 178 are bent such that theloop 174 extends in an opposite direction away from a plane containingthe clamping arms 16, 18 compared with the direction in which uprightmembers 56, 58 extend away from the plane containing the clamping arms16, 18. The loop 174 receives a fastener (not shown) for securing theline hanger 170 to a support structure (not shown). The inventioncontemplates that the clamping arms 16, 18 may be coplanar with loop174, may depend outwardly from loop 174 at an acute angle, may extendoutwardly from loop 174 transversely at a right angle, or may dependoutwardly from loop 174 at an obtuse angle.

[0042] With reference to FIG. 14 in which like reference numerals referto like features in FIGS. 1-3 and in an alternative embodiment, linehanger 180 may be provided with upright members 182, 184 that arecapable of being interlocked to constrain the clamping arms 16, 18against relative deflection as a substitute for terminating element 72(FIG. 1). To that end, the upright members 182, 184 include respectivetwisted ends 186, 188 that may be interlocked after line 20 is insertedto constrain separation of the clamping arms 16, 18. Specifically, theupright members 182, 184 are resiliently flexible so that the twistedends 186, 188 may be interlocked or coupled by mutual engagement ofconfronting concave portions of respective angled bends 186 a, 186 b.The twisted ends 186, 188 are inclined toward one another relative tothe clamping arms 16, 18. It is appreciated that line hangers 150, 160,170, 180 may participate in a stacked arrangement as described herein.

[0043] The invention provides a one-piece, stackable line hanger capableof securing one or more lines to a support structure in a spatiallycompact manner. The line hanger of the invention is inexpensive tomanufacture. The line hanger of the invention is quickly and easilyinstalled because no auxiliary hardware, such as screws, bolts, nuts andwashers, is required, which reduces the number of components forsecuring the line and simplifies line installation. The line hanger ofthe invention requires little or no tools for mounting and couplingmultiple hangers in a stacked fashion which effects a considerablesavings in labor and speeds installation. When mounted to the supportstructure or to another line hanger, the line hanger resists rotation,displacement and detachment.

[0044] While the present invention has been illustrated by a descriptionof various preferred embodiments and while these embodiments have beendescribed in considerable detail in order to describe the best mode ofpracticing the invention, it is not the intention of the applicants torestrict or in any way limit the scope of the appended claims to suchdetail. Additional advantages and modifications within the spirit andscope of the invention will readily appear to those skilled in the art.The invention itself should only be defined by the appended claims,wherein we claim:

1. A mounting device for securing a line to a support structure,comprising: a support attachment provision configured for coupling tothe support structure; and a spaced-apart pair of clamping armsdepending outwardly from said support attachment provision, saidclamping arms configured to resiliently separate for slidingly receivingthe line therebetween and to resiliently relax for applying a clampingforce to the line, each of said clamping arms having a first end coupledwith said support attachment provision and a second end, said second endof one of said clamping arms capable of being interconnected with saidsecond end of the other of said clamping arms for preventing relativeseparation of said clamping arms.
 2. The mounting device of claim 1,wherein each of said pair of clamping arms has confronting arcuatesegments generally arranged on a common radius of curvature, saidarcuate segments applying a radially inward force for securing the linetherebetween.
 3. The mounting device of claim 1, wherein said supportattachment provision includes a loop defining a passage through which afastener can extend for coupling the mounting device with the supportstructure.
 4. The mounting device of claim 3, wherein said clamping armsdepend transversely from said loop.
 5. The mounting device of claim 3,wherein said clamping arms depend from said loop at an obtuse angle. 6.The mounting device of claim 3, wherein said clamping arms depend fromsaid loop at an acute angle.
 7. The mounting device of claim 1, furthercomprising a terminating element capable of being removably received bysaid clamping arms, said terminating element operative forinterconnecting said pair of clamping arms to prevent relativeseparation when the line is secured therebetween.
 8. The mounting deviceof claim 7, wherein said terminating element is a trapezoidal loopdimensioned to fit over a portion of said clamping arms.
 9. The mountingdevice of claim 1, wherein said second end of one of said clamping armsis capable of being interlocked with said second end of the other ofsaid clamping arms in a contacting relationship for preventing relativeseparation of said clamping arms.
 10. The mounting device of claim 1,wherein said support attachment provision is configured forinterconnecting a pair of clamping arms of another mounting device toprevent relative separation thereof when the line is securedtherebetween.
 11. The mounting device of claim 1, wherein the clampingarms and support attachment provision comprise a unitary monolithicmember.
 12. The mounting device of claim 1, wherein said mounting deviceis free of welded joints.
 13. The mounting device of claim 1, whereinsaid mounting device is formed of a metal.
 14. The mounting device ofclaim 1, wherein said clamping arms and said support attachmentprovision are formed from a continuous length of wire
 15. The mountingdevice of claim 1, wherein said clamping arms depend transversely fromsaid support attachment provision.
 16. The mounting device of claim 1,wherein said clamping arms depend from said support attachment provisionat an obtuse angle.
 17. The mounting device of claim 1, wherein saidclamping arms depend from said support attachment provision at an acuteangle.
 18. The mounting device of claim 17, wherein said second end ofeach of said clamping arms include an outwardly-extending uprightmember, said upright member of one of said clamping arms capable ofbeing interlocked with said upright member of the other of said clampingarms in a contacting relationship for preventing relative separation ofsaid clamping arms.
 19. The mounting device of claim 18, wherein saidsupport attachment provision includes a loop defining a passage throughwhich a fastener can extend for coupling the mounting device with thesupport structure.
 20. The mounting device of claim 19, wherein saidclamping arms depend transversely from said loop.
 21. The mountingdevice of claim 19, wherein said clamping arms depend from said loop atan obtuse angle.
 22. The mounting device of claim 19, wherein saidclamping arms depend from said loop at an acute angle.
 23. The mountingdevice of claim 1, further comprising an adapter configured for couplingsaid support attachment provision with the support structure.
 24. Themounting device of claim 23, wherein said adapter is configured forcoupling said support attachment provision to an anchor rail.
 25. Themounting device of claim 1, wherein said clamping arms are configuredfor supporting lines of different types.
 26. The mounting device ofclaim 1, wherein said clamping arms are configured for supporting linesof different dimensions.
 27. The mounting device of claim 1, whereinsaid support attachment provision is configured for mounting directly tothe support structure free of intervening structures.
 28. The mountingdevice of claim 1, wherein said support attachment provision isconfigured for engagement by a pair of clamping arms of a secondmounting device.
 29. An apparatus for securing two lines to a supportstructure, comprising: a first mounting device having a first supportattachment provision configured for mounting to a support structure anda spaced-apart pair of resilient first clamping arms depending outwardlyfrom said first support attachment provision, said first clamping armsconfigured to receive and hold one of the lines therebetween, each ofsaid clamping arms having a first end coupled with said supportattachment provision and a second end; and a second mounting devicehaving a second support attachment provision configured for mountingwith said first clamping arms for preventing relative separation thereofand a spaced-apart pair of resilient second clamping arms dependingoutwardly from said second support attachment provision, said secondclamping arms configured to receive and hold the other of the linestherebetween, said each of said second clamping arms having a first endcoupled with said second support attachment provision and a second end,said second end of one of said second clamping arms capable of beinginterconnected with said second end of the other of said second clampingarms for preventing relative separation of said second clamping arms.30. The apparatus of claim 29, further comprising a terminating elementcapable of being removably received by said pair of second clamping armsfor interconnecting said pair of second clamping arms to preventrelative separation when the line is secured therebetween.
 31. Theapparatus of claim 30, wherein said terminating element is a trapezoidalloop dimensioned to fit over a portion of said clamping arms.
 32. Theapparatus of claim 29, wherein said second end of one of said secondclamping arms is capable of being interlocked with said second end ofthe other of said second clamping arms in a contacting relationship forpreventing relative separation of said second clamping arms.
 33. Amethod of securing a line to a support structure, comprising: coupling asupport attachment provision of a first mounting device to an attachmentpoint on the support structure; positioning the line proximate to aspaced-apart pair of clamping arms of the first mounting device; movingthe line so as to resiliently separate the clamping arms and receive theline in a position between the clamping arms for applying a clampingforce thereto; and interconnecting the clamping arms so as to preventrelative separation.
 34. The method of claim 33 wherein the step ofinterconnecting further comprises connecting the clamping arms with aterminating element.
 35. The method of claim 33 wherein the step ofinterconnecting further comprises coupling a support attachmentprovision of a second mounting device with the clamping arms of thefirst mounting device for interconnecting the clamping arms of the firstmounting device.
 36. The method of claim 35 further comprising:positioning a line proximate to a spaced-apart pair of clamping arms ofthe second mounting device; moving the line so as to resilientlyseparate the clamping arms of the second mounting device and receive theline in a position between the clamping arms of the second mountingdevice for applying a clamping force thereto; and interconnecting theclamping arms of the second mounting device so as to prevent relativeseparation.
 37. The method of claim 36 wherein the clamping arms of thesecond mounting device are interconnected with a terminating element.38. The method of claim 33 wherein the step of coupling furthercomprises: mounting a coupling element to the attachment point; andmounting the support attachment provision of the first mounting deviceto the coupling element.
 39. The method of claim 33 wherein theattachment point comprises a cylindrical conduit, and the step ofcoupling further comprises: mounting a coupling element to thecylindrical conduit; and mounting the support attachment provision ofthe first mounting device to the coupling element.
 40. The method ofclaim 33 wherein the support attachment provision is directly coupledwith the attachment point free of intervening structures.
 41. A methodof suspending a line from a cylindrical support structure, comprising:coupling a spaced-apart pair of clamping arms of a first mounting deviceabout said cylindrical support structure; fastening a support attachmentprovision of the first mounting device with a support attachmentprovision of a second mounting device; positioning the line proximate toa spaced-apart pair of clamping arms of the second mounting device;moving the line so as to resiliently separate the clamping arms of thesecond mounting device and receive the line in a position between theclamping arms for applying a clamping force thereto; and interconnectingthe clamping arms of the second mounting device so as to preventrelative separation.
 42. The method of claim 41 wherein the clampingarms of the second mounting device are interconnected with a terminatingelement.
 43. A stackable line hanger composed of formed wire, saidhanger having a generally U-shaped body with clamping arms extendingfrom a closed end to grip a line, said clamping arms having distal endsbeing configured to interlock with at least one of the closed end ofanother line hanger and a provision on a line support.
 44. The stackableline hanger of claim 43 including a link adapted to join said distalends of said clamping arms of said line hanger to enclose the line. 45.The stackable line hanger of claim 44 wherein said hanger is configuredat said closed end to form a support attachment provision.
 46. Thestackable line hanger of claim 45 wherein said support attachmentprovision comprises a loop bent out of a plane containing said clampingarms.
 47. The stackable line hanger of claim 46 wherein said distal endof each of said clamping arms has a hook adapted to interlock with acorresponding one of a pair of shoulders formed in the closed end of acooperating line hanger.
 48. The stackable line hanger of claim 46wherein said loop and said hooks are on one side of said plane.
 49. Thestackable line hanger of claim 46 wherein said loop and said hooks areon opposite sides of said plane.
 50. The stackable line hanger of claim44 wherein said support attachment provision comprises a loop orientedgenerally coplanar with said clamping arms.
 51. The stackable linehanger of claim 44 wherein said closed end has a pair of shouldersformed in the hanger which are adapted to interlock with hooks formed onthe distal ends of a cooperating line hanger.
 52. The stackable linehanger of claim 44 wherein said distal end of each of said clamping armshas a hook adapted to interlock with a corresponding one of a pair ofshoulders formed in the closed end of a cooperating line hanger.